Petition by Cowichan Tribes to the King of England. Referred back to Canada

Water Act creates Board of Investigation (to 1939)

Some northern nations sign adhesion to Treaty 8

Rev. O’Meara submits Nisga’a Statement of Facts and Claims to the federal DOJ

1910

BC refuses to submit question of aboriginal title in BC to British Privy Council

1910

Vancouver Island Settlers’ Rights Agreement Ratifcation Act

1910

Declaration of the Tahltan Tribe

1910

Amendment to the Water Act defines the powers of the Water Commissioner

1910

Conference of Friends of the Indians of BC is formed

1910

Burrard Power Case clarifies water rights in BC

1910

Indian Reserve Commission is dismantled

1910

Indian Superintendent’s office in Victoria is closed and position abolished

1910

W.E. Ditchburn appointed to head Southwestern Inspectorate

1910

Interior Chiefs sign declaration setting out their position on aboriginal title and rights

1910

While in BC, Laurier visits Kamloops

Learning that he is in favour of larger reserves and recognition of Aboriginal Title, the Chiefs of Shuswap, Okanagan & Thompson Tribes present a Memorial to Sir Wilfred Laurier, Premier of the Dominion of Canada from the Chiefs of the Shuswap, Okanagan and Thompson Tribes, condemning BC land policies and game laws and rejecting BC’s takeover of their lands. Believing that the Queen’s laws will guarantee their rights, they request treaties with Canada.

1910

BC divided into three inspectorates: Northern, Southwestern and Southeastern

1910

Fraser River Agency is divided into New Westminster and Lytton Agencies

Royal Commission on Timber & Forestry in BC (Fulton Commission)

E & N Railway line extended to Alberni

Lejac residential school established at Fraser Lake (to 1976)

BC offers to buy back Railway Belt and Peace River Block from the Dominion

1911

Dominion transfers juridsiction over water rights in the Railway Belt to BC

1911

Federal election (Conservative victory)

1911

Over sixty delegates of the Interior Tribes, the Indian Rights Association and the Nisga’a Land Committee meet with Premier McBride to protest BC land policies and demand to be heard by Canadian courts.

McBride declines, asserting that they do not have a legal case and that Indigenous people, in general, are satisfied with BC policies. In response, the Interior Tribes issues a Memorial and Declaration, reiterating their July 1910 declaration.

Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway extended to Lake Cowichan

Economic depression in BC

1912

Sechelt residential school established (to 1975)

1912

CPR acquires Esquimalt & Nanaimo Railway

1912

Delegation of Interior Tribes travels to Ottawa to discuss land matters with the PM.

The Interior Tribes meets with McKenna and, after receiving a copy of the McKenna-McBride agreement, submits a Statement of the Chiefs of the Interior Tribes of British Columbia to the Honourable Mr. Borden, Prime Minister of Canada and Members of the Dominion Government, clarifying that their main concern is not the size of reserves, but the “stealing of our lands by the BC government.” The chiefs assert ownership of their territories and demand a Privy Council hearing, rejecting the mandate of the Commission and its ability to reach fair and unbiased decisions.

1912

Delegates of the Interior Tribes, Indian Rights Association and the Nisga’a Land Committee agree to unite under the Indian Rights Association on all matters related to the McKenna-McBride agreement.

1912

Indian Rights Association petition to Prime Minister Borden

1912

Friends of the Indians of BC present a memorial to the Governor General

Canadian Northern Railway reaches Vancouver

Nisga’a delegation to Ottawa

Migratory Birds Convention Act

Allied Indian Tribes of British Columbia formed to press Indian Land Question (to 1927)

The Nisga’a and the Interior Tribes form the Allied Tribes during a meeting in Vancouver, in which the position of the Indian Rights Association is formally rejected and the organization dissolved. The executive of the Allied Tribes is elected to represent the Interior and Coast Salish, Kootenay, Tsilhqot’in, Dakelh, Kaska-Dene, Q’uwit’sun, Nuxalk, Nisga’a, Tsimshian, Haida and Gitksan peoples.

1916

McKenna-McBride Commission Final Report is published

1916

McKenna-McBride Commission resolution regarding water rights

1916

Duncan Campbell Scott is Superintendent of Indian Education

1916

Second stage of Stave Lake Falls development begins (to 1925)

1916

W.E. Ditchburn becomes Chief Inspector for BC

1917

Southwestern Inspectorate of BC abolished

1917

H. Cathcart is Superintendent of Lands (to 1929)

1917

Federal government requires fishing permits; imposes further restrictions for Indians

1917

Federal Soldier Settlement Act

1917

Provincial Soldiers Land Act and Soldiers Homestead Repeal Act

1917

Water Act amendments - Soldiers Land Act includes involvement of Water Rights Branch

1918

DIA and Department of Interior agree on policy to review and protect Indian water rights

Spanish Flu (influenza) epidemic kills many Indian people in BC

Northern Inspectorate of BC abolished

Report on BC forest resources Forests in British Columbia issued

PGER reaches Quesnel. PGER taken over by BC Government (becomes BC Rail)

1918

Allied Tribes formally reject McKenna-McBride findings

After an assembly in Spences Bridge and large intertribal meetings throughout BC, the Allied Tribes drafts a Statement of the Allied Indian Tribes of BC for the Government of British Columbia, outlining the “present position of the Indian land controversy” in BC, emphasizing Indigenous territorial ownership and rejecting the McKenna-McBride recommendations. The Statement is distributed to Indigenous communities throughout BC before it is presented to Premier John Oliver in December.

1919

BC Indians table 20 Conditions proposed as a basis of settlement

1919

Provincial Indian Affairs Settlement Act (SBC 1919-c.32)

1919

CNR and CNPR incorporate as Candian National Railway Company

1919

British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council ruling Re: Southern Rhodesia

1919

Federal British Columbia Lands Settlement Act (SC 1920-c.51)

1920

Federal legislation permits enfranchisement of Indians without their consent. Repealed

1920

Ditchburn-Clark review of the McKenna-McBride Royal Commission’s work (to 1923)

1920

Duncan C. Scott makes it mandatory for Indian children (7-15 yrs) to attend school

1920

Alberni residential school established (to 1973)

1920

Seine licences not granted to Indians until now as a matter of departmental policy

Provincial OIC 911 approves McKenna-McBride cut-offs of reserve land

Indians permitted to participate in commercial fishery. Gas boats allowed on North Coast

The elective system is introduced to replace the hereditary leadership system

1924

BC Electric Co. purchases stock in Bridge River Power Co.

1924

BC Premier John Oliver assures the SGIA that Indian foreshore rights will be protected

1924

Federal/provincial agreement on public harbours in BC

1924

W.E. Ditchburn becomes Indian Commissioner for BC (to 1929)

1924

Government prohibits unauthorized soliciting by Indians of outside funds

1924

International agreement between Canada & US restricts halibut fishing

1924

Historic Objects Preservation Act

1925

Allied Tribes of BC ask Parliament to examine question of aboriginal title in BC

The Allied Tribes petitions the Canadian Parliament for an inquiry, outlining the “Indian land controversy” since BC entered confederation. Due to government approval of the McKenna-McBride recommendations, the Allied Tribes declares that they are entitled to a hearing at the Privy Council and demands the funding and sanction to do so.

1926

BC Electric Power and Gas Co. Ltd. incorporate

1926

BC introduces trapline regulations. Trapline boundaries established

1926

Chief William Pierrish of Neskonlith tables statement with King of England

1926

Special joint committee holds hearings and rejects claims of the BC Allied Tribes

Canada appoints a Joint Special Committee of the Senate and House of Commons to inquire into Claims of the Allied Tribes as set out in their 1926 petition. The Committee considers the position of the Allied Tribes for two weeks, then declares that they had not proven any rights to the land based on Aboriginal or other title. The Committee recommends that the matter be closed, and blaming outside agitators for Indigenous resistance, recommends a ban on obtaining funds or legal counsel to advance Aboriginal Title cases. The Committee further recommends that Indians in BC receive an annual allotment of $100,000 to be spent on education, medical care and the promotion of agriculture, ranching and irrigation on reserves.

Canada amends the Indian Act to make it illegal to obtain funds or legal counsel to advance Aboriginal Title cases. This ends the Allied Tribes’ hope of having a case heard at the Privy Council in London and the Allied Tribes dissolves. Indigenous resistance goes underground.

St. Michael’s residential school established in Alert Bay (to 1975)

F.C. Green is Surveyor-General of BC (to 1946)

Canada - BC Natural Resources Transfer Agreement

Ruskin Dam operational

1930

Native Brotherhood of British Columbia formed

The Haida and Tsimshian form the Native Brotherhood of British Columbia (NBBC). NBBC organizes protests on fishing, lands, taxation and social issues. The founding declaration is similar to the Allied Tribes’ statement, but avoids mentioning Aboriginal Title. Its official mandate is to improve the socio-economic conditions of Indian people in BC. Unofficially, the NBBC seek recognition of Aboriginal Title.

1931

Native Brotherhood organizes protests about fishing, lands and social issues

Second World War begins (to 1945)

Fire destroys much of BC Attorney General ministry’s letterbooks for 1872-1917

1939

Indian Water Claims Act partly repealed. Water Act is revised

1939

Crerar-Gray (federal-provincial) agreement on measures for dealing with cut-off lands

1941

Census of various bands in Stuart Lake Agency

1942

Indian commercial fishermen obliged to pay federal income tax

1942

Andrew Paull becomes president of fledgling North American Indian Brotherhood

Squamish political leader, Andrew Paull, establishes the North American Indian Brotherhood (NAIB). Paull had figured prominently in the Allied Tribes and the NBBC. The NAIB aims to organize Indians across Canada to fight for civil rights without loss of Indian rights.

1943

British Columbia Indian Reserves Mineral Resources Act

1943

Schedule of Indian Reserves in the Dominion of Canada-Reserves in the Prov. of BC

1943

Inquiry into provincial forest resources commenced

1945

Provincial Department of Lands is divided into Land Service and Forest Service

1945

Provincial Government creates the BC Power Commission to replace smaller utilities

Burrard Thermal Generating Station commences operations

Pacific Great Eastern Railway extended to Dawson Creek

Joint Committee for the review of Indian Affairs policy considers Indian claims (to 1961)

1959

Secwepemc leader, George Manuel and Nisga’a leader Frank Calder present briefs to the Joint Committee for the Review of Indian Affairs Policy

Citing the 1763 Royal Proclamation, Manuel and Calder both demand recognition of and compensation for loss of Aboriginal Title. The Committee recommends the establishment of an Indian Claims Commission to settle outstanding land claims in Canada.

1960

Federal voting rights extended to include Indian people

1960

Bridge River flooded to create Carpenter Lake resevoir

1960

Joint Committee recommends creation of an Indian Claims Commission in Canada

1961

Legislation creating an Indian Claims Commission is drafted but never enacted

1961

Transfer of 24,000 acres from province to Canada pursuant to Treaty 8 obligations

NDP position paper acknowledges aboriginal title never extinguished in BC

Nisga’a initiate litigation that results in 1973 Calder decision

Trudeau government’s White Paper asserts that aboriginal title does not exist

Prime Minister Trudeau and his Minister of Indian Affairs, Jean Chretien, introduce a white paper on Indian policy. The policy is one of aggressive assimilation and is soon dubbed “The White Paper” by Indigenous leaders.

1969

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) forms as 144 chiefs and delegates from all over BC meet to discuss the White Paper and its effects on Indian people in BC.

1969

Federal government takes direct control over Indian residential schools

1969

Metric system of land measurement comes into use in Canada

1970

BC-Yukon Region separates

1970

Supreme Court of Canada upholds Indians’ right to drink in public

1970

At the second General Assembly of the UBCIC, UBCIC issues A Declaration of Indian Rights: the BC Position Paper

1970

BC Land Act eliminates the pre-emption system in BC

1970

Feet become the standard unit of land measurement

1970

INAC Membership starts transferring local administration of membership to bands

1970

BC Rail line reaches Fort Nelson

1971

UBCIC submission to federal and provincial governments on Native Title to BC

1971

The Canadian Government formally withdraws the White Paper and soon after, the UBCIC adopts its Constitution and By-laws and is incorporated under the BC Societies Act.

1971

Indian Fisheries Development Board

1971

George Manuel meets with New Zealand and Australian indigenous leaders

1971

George Manual meets with international indigenous groups

1972

Schedule of Indian Reserves and Settlements issued by INAC

1972

National Indian Brotherhood issues Indian Control of Indian Education paper which officially recognizes that languages and cultures are an integral part of First Nation education

In response to the recommendations from Chiefs and Elders the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) implements the Cultural Education Centres Program.

1972

UBCIC submits BC claim based on native title to the federal government

UBCIC presents a Claim Based on Native Title to the Lands now Forming British Columbia to Prime Minister Trudeau, demanding recognition of Aboriginal Title and compensation for its loss. UBCIC proposes that Canada establish a claims commission to adjust reserve size and determine the amount of compensation to be paid to Indigenous people for the loss of their territories. Trudeau ignores the proposal.

Aboriginal rights discussed for first time in the federal House of Commons

1973

Calder vs. A-G recognizes land rights based on aboriginal title (SCC)

Calder v. Attorney General of BC. The Supreme Court of Canada recognizes that the Nisga'a held title to their land before BC was established, however the court splits evenly on whether Nisga’a title had been extinguished since the establishment of BC. In response, Trudeau changes federal policy to allow negotiation of "Comprehensive Claims" based on Aboriginal Title and "Specific Claims" based on reserve lands.

BC Chiefs & Elders make constitutional visit to England

Aboriginal Council of BC founded

Baker Lake test for aboriginal title created by Baker Lake Federal Court case

1979

The UBCIC created and adopted a flag as a national symbol to represent Indian Peoples determination and power to safeguard their territories.

1979

UBCIC drafts the Aboriginal Rights Position Paper, outlining a basis for all discussions relating to land claims and Aboriginal Rights

The position paper advocates exclusive control over larger reserves and includes an Indian Government Manifesto that draws on the principles of nationhood, self-determination and equality of peoples.

1979

Canada’s First Nations petition Queen to recognize aboriginal rights in the Constitution

1980

UBCIC supports the Indian Child Caravan

The Spallumcheen band passes a bylaw regarding taking ownership of the care of their children. The UBCIC provides office space, organizes the media and provides the impetus for the generation of province-wide interest in the issue. The march and demonstration led by Chief Wayne Christian, goes from Vancouver, BC and eventually led to BC’s Minister of Social Services. The subsequent meeting of the Minister of Social Service, Grace McCarthy with the band led to an agreement which gave the Spallumcheen control over their own child welfare program.

1980

Nisga’a submission to Special Joint Committee of the Senate & House of Commons

1980

Association of the United Tahltans comprehensive claim accepted for negotiation

Haida Nation comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

Heiltsuk Nation comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

Nuxalk Nation comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

1981

Kootenay Nation comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

1981

Nazko-Kluskus comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

1981

UBCIC mobilizes the Constitution Express

Trainloads of Indigenous people travel from BC to Ottawa to lobby Trudeau and the Premiers to guarantee Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination in the Canadian Constitution. In the end, Canada passes the Canada Constitution Act, 1982 recognizing “existing aboriginal and treaty rights” (Section 35). Three years later, after a series of unsuccessful First Ministers’ Conferences, the task of defining Aboriginal Rights is left to the Canadian courts.

1981

Some McKenna-McBride cut-off lands claims are settled (into the mid-1980’s)

1981

Federal comprehensive claims policy is set out in In All Fairness

1981

Federal claims policy altered to entertain local government participation at negotiations

1981

Pearse Commission into Pacific fisheries

1981

Economic recession

1982

Kaska-Dene comprehensive claim submitted to federal government

1982

Neskonlith submission to House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs

Declaration of the Kwakiutl Nation; comprehensive claim submitted to Canada

Guerin v. the Queen affirms fiduciary responsibilities of the Federal government (SCC)

The UBCIC develops and adopts the Aboriginal Title and Rights Position Paper

It contained four principles that remain the guiding principles of the UBCIC: 1) Recognition that we are the original people of the land, 2) Recognition that we have the right to choose and will determine the type of authority we wish to exercise through our Indian governments, 3) Recognition that we have the right to exercise and will exercise the sufficient jurisdiction without our traditional territories to maintain our sacred connection to Mother Earth through management and conservation of the resource and the use of the resources necessary for the economic survival and well-being of our citizens and 4) Recognition that it is only through a process of informed consent that our territory, its resources or our governing authority over our lands and our people may be shared.

1985

Bill C-31 An Act to Amend the Indian Act

1985

Bill C-31 passes, ending discrimination against Indian women who married non-Indians

1985

Bill C-31 results in addition of many new members to BC Indian bands

1985

Canada revises its comprehensive claims policy

1986

An Act relating to the establishment of self-government for the Sechelt Indian Band

1986

United Church of Canada first to apologize for treatment at residential schools

1986

Canadian Bar Association affirms need for claims to be submitted to an independent body

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) issues critique of federal land claims policies

1990

The Oka standoff begins

Mohawk warriors barricade a road to “The Pines” near Oka, Quebec to stop golf course expansion into their traditional burial ground. In July, 100 police attempt to take down the barricade. One officer is killed and the Mohawks blockade all roads and bridges leading into their territory. Local non-Indigenous residents riot at the barricades and the Canadian Army is called in. Within months, the barricades are dismantled and 150 Mohawk people are arrested. The golf course proposal is abandoned. Indigenous communities across BC erect blockades in support of the Mohawk people. People block railways and roads, slow traffic and hand out information pamphlets about Indigenous land rights and the struggle in BC.

1990

Federal government agrees to resolve outstanding TLE issues in prairies

1990

Province abandons 119-year old policy of refusing to acknowledge aboriginal title

1990

Indian Self-government Enabling Act (BC)

1990

BC joins the Nisga’a and Canada in the negotiation of the Nisga’a Comprehensive Claim

This is the first time BC agrees to negotiate a Comprehensive Claim. BC still refuses to acknowledge Aboriginal Title.

1990

The First Nations Congress, a splinter group from UBCIC that began to form in 1975, works with Canada and BC to develop a treaty negotiation process

UBCIC establishes the Institute of Indigenous Government (IIG). IIG become a degree-granting institution in 1995. The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) takes over IIG in 2007.

Cariboo-Chilcotin Justice Inquiry established

Mabo vs. Queensland

INAC considers claims of a third kind, but no written policy is ever articulated

1992

Joint First Nations/Canada Working Group discusses reforms to specific claims process

1992

Schedule of Indian Bands, Reserves and Settlements published by DIAND

1992

BC Hydro creates Aboriginal Relations Department

1992

The First Nations Congress, Canada and BC establish the First Nations Summit and the BC Treaty Commission to implement the BC Treaty Process

The Treaty Process strives for final agreements in which Indigenous Peoples surrender 95 percent of their territories to Canada in exchange for compensation and specific treaty rights. Within ten years, 120 bands enter negotiations, borrowing $250 million to be paid back out of their compensation packages. As of May 2005, no final agreements have been signed.

1992

Joint First Nations/Canada Working Group dismantled when impasse reached

Cariboo-Chilcotin Justice Inquiry issues report

1993

Treaty Commission Act

1993

The BC Government and the UBCIC enter into a Memorandum of Understanding:

Respecting the Establishment of a government-to-government Relationship between the Indian Nations Comprising the UBCIC and the Government of BC. This MOU formally established the Joint Policy Council which worked for a number of years to in negotiations around lands, resources, health and welfare and education.

1993

Liberal Red Book promises claims will be considered by an independent commission

1993

Assembly of First Nations issues report on the reform of federal land claims policies

The Nisga’a Tribal Council, BC, and Canada sign an agreement-in-principle that forms the basis of the first Comprehensive Claim agreement signed in BC.

Delgamuuk’w vs. British Columbia

Upholds aboriginal title (SCC) On appeal from previous BC Court decisions, the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs amend an original assertion of ownership and control over their territories, replacing it with claims of Aboriginal Title and self-government. BC argues that Aboriginal Title does not exist. Alternatively, BC argues, Aboriginal Title is not a right of ownership, but a right to engage in traditional subsistence practices such as hunting and fishing. The Supreme Court of Canada rejects the trial judge’s ruling that Aboriginal rights had been extinguished before 1871. The Court does not decide whether the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en still hold title to their land and instead clarifies that Aboriginal Title is not a right of absolute ownership, but a proprietary right to “exclusive use and occupation of land” that “is a burden on the Crown’s underlying title.” Once Aboriginal Title is proven, federal and provincial governments may infringe upon it for valid reasons, including resource extraction, economic and infrastructure development, settlement of foreign populations and environmental protection. Aboriginal people must be consulted and compensated for any infringement or extinguishment of Aboriginal Title.

1997

Federal Court of Appeal rules in band’s favour in Semiahmoo Indian Band vs. Canada

The UBCIC Research Department publishes Stolen Lands, Broken Promises: Researching the Indian Land Question in British Columbia.

It is intended as a practical, hands-on resource for Indigenous community members wanting to conduct research on a variety of issues affecting traditional territory and reserve lands in British Columbia. The second revised edition is published in 2005.

1998

Blueberry and Doig River bands reach $147 million settlement for reserve mineral rights

1998

Minister of Indian Affairs makes statement of reconciliation re: residential school abuse

1998

$350 million Healing Fund established to address legacy of residential schools

1998

Nisga’a sign agreement with federal and provincial governments

1998

The UBCIC develops and endorses its Aboriginal Title Implementation Paper

The paper suggests some of the ways which Indigenous Nations can begin a process of re-discovering and re-invigorating their own Laws and fully re-asserting Aboriginal Title and Right of Self-Determination.

1998

United Church apologizes for its involvement with residential schools

1998

Canada selects Vancouver-Whistler (Salish-St’at’imc territories) as Canada’s nominee to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Developers prepare a number of ski resort proposals for these territories.

1998

Sechelt Agreement in Principle Signed

1999

Nisga'a Treaty ratified by BC Legislature

1999

Westbank First Nations initiates direct action by harvesting trees

1999

Bill C-9, Nisga's Final Agreement brought into House of Commons

1999

Nisga'a Treaty passed second reading of House of Commons

1999

Peace Treaty Signed by Haisla, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo, Xais Xais

1999

New Territory Officially established: Nunavut

1999

Supreme Court decides that off-reserve members should have voting rights in on-reserve elections-Corbiere Decision

1999

The Nisga’a Final Agreement becomes Canadian law

The Nisga’a surrender 92 percent of their territory in exchange for expanded reserve lands and $190 million cash. The Nisga’a Lisims government is subject to provincial and federal laws. Nisga’a living in the settlement lands will be subject to BC, Canada, and Lisims taxation.

2000

Chief Joe Mathias passed away, mourned by many

2000

Nunavut Celebrates One Year Birthday

2000

Historical Joint Statement regarding Aboriginal Title made by First Nations Summit, Assembly of First Nations, and Union of BC Indian Chiefs

2000

St’at’imc people establish a protest camp at Sutikalh to stop a proposed ski resort development in the Cayoosh Mountains.

2000

Nuu-chah-nulth Agreement-In-Principle

BC holds a referendum on the principles of BC Treaty negotiations

The referendum is widely denounced as biased, divisive and unjust. Indigenous leaders across the province organize a boycott. In the end, 33 percent of BC votes, a majority of which support the BC government’s position.

2002

September

UBCIC, the First Nations Summit, the Métis Provincial Council of British Columbia, and the United Native Nations sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Province of British Columbia to establish a joint dialogue and decision making process regarding general and systemic issues relating to the safety and well-being of Aboriginal children and families.

2002

Vancouver-Whistler is selected to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Plans for the development of lands surrounding Vancouver-Whistler intensify.

2003

Lheidli T’enneh, BC and Canada sign the first agreement-in-principle under the BC Treaty Process

The Lheidli T’enneh agree in principle to surrender their territory in exchange for expanded reserve lands and $12.8 million. The Lheidli T’enneh will be subject to federal and provincial laws and taxation.

2003

The Songhees host a Spring Caravan to Victoria: “Moving Forward in Unity.”

Over 2,500 Indigenous People converge on the BC legislature to protest BC land policies. The charge is led by the Title and Rights Alliance, representing bands inside and outside the BC Treaty Process. BC responds by denouncing those gathered as misinformed malcontents. UBCIC is a key organizing partner in this protest.

2004

Prime Minister Paul Martin promises a transformation of Indian policy in Canada before reducing the Department of Indian Affairs’ budget by $260 million.

March

UBCIC, FNS and BCAFN sign the Leadership Accord which commits the three organizations to work together for the benefit of all First Nations in British Columbia. The three organizations become the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC)

2005

In April, the FNLC agree to the New Relationship with the BC Government

All parties commit to recognizing Aboriginal title and rights, to respecting each other’s laws and responsibilities, and to reconciling both Aboriginal and Crown titles and jurisdictions.

2005

The Haida Nation and their non-Haida neighbours block roads, seize timber and shut down forestry operations on Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) to protest BC forestry policies in their territory

The Island Spirit Uprising, as it was called, pushed the provincial government to begin high level negotiations with the Haida leadership. The official agreement says Haida leaders, islanders will see a significant drop in the annual allowable cut and the way resources are managed. The bear hunt will be halted and there will be a move toward eco-forestry.

2005

October

FNLC and the RCMP sign a Public Safety Cooperation Protocol, demonstrating the intent of First Nations and law enforcement to develop their relationship through mutual respect and trust and outline strategies to address community safety issues. The protocol is intended to build trust and reciprocal relations between the Parties in a proactive effort to prevent situations involving conflict situations and community crisis, alternatively, resolving disputes at the earliest possible opportunity.

2005

November

FNLC signs the Transformative Change Accord with the federal and provincial government. The First Ministers and Aboriginal Leaders commit to strengthening relationships on a government-to-government basis, and on focusing efforts to close the gap in the areas of education, health, housing and economic opportunities. The Parties agree that by December 2006, a detailed tripartite implementation strategy will be developed laying out specific actions and building upon a shared commitment to undertake as many initiatives as possible in year one of the 10 year plan (2006 - 2016).

2005

June

UBCIC sends an open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper urging “that your government actively encourage the adoption without amendment or qualification of the Chair’s proposed text of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” The UNDRIP was adopted on September 13, 2007. Canada was one of four nations to vote against its adoption.

2006

July

Premier Gordon Campbell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Jim Prentice, Chief Negotiator Nathan Matthew and First Nations Education Steering Committee President Deborah Jeffry signed a historic agreement to recognize First Nations’ jurisdiction over First Nations’ education in British Columbia. The Framework Agreement allows First Nations who choose to negotiate a bilateral Canada-First Nation Education Jurisdiction Agreement to remove themselves from sections 114-122 of the Indian Act. The Framework Agreement has a term of seven years, which can be renewed upon agreement of all parties.

2006

November

FNLC, Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia sign a First Nations Health Plan Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and the Leadership Council and BC release a BC First Nations Health Plan. These agreements are based on the Transformative Change Accord and the BC First Nations Health Blueprint and are designed to close the gaps in health outcomes that exist between First Nations and other British Columbians.

2006

November

FNLC hosted a three day strategic planning session in North Vancouver, which was attended by over 120 First Nations leaders from across British Columbia. This session was an opportunity to examine and discuss the important Tsilhqot’in Nation v. BC decision and to develop a unified strategy for the recognition of Aboriginal Title. First Nations leaders issued and signed a declaration entitled “All Our Relations” A Declaration of the Sovereign Indigenous Nations of British Columbia, affirming Aboriginal Title to their respective traditional territories across British Columbia.

2007

January

FNLC convened the first First Nations Chiefs’ Indigenous Child at the Centre Forum. At the forum, First Nations leaders signed an MOU with the Representative for Children and Youth, secured a commitment from Premier Campbell for the support of Jordan’s Principle and issued a declaration of commitment entitled Walking Together to Keep Indigenous Children at the Centre, committing to the exercise of our inherent rights and responsibility for the survival, dignity and well-being of our children. The Chiefs develop an Indigenous Child at the Centre Action Plan. It is intended that this collectively developed Action Plan will assist First Nations to address issues relating to Indigenous children and families in BC.

2008

April

The Executive of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs fast for 24 hours as a demonstration of support for the jailed Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Band Council members in Ontario. The Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation (KI) is involved in a dispute with the Government of Ontario and Platinex Mining Inc. KI is a fly-in community located in north-western Ontario. The Band Council members are jailed for protecting not only their territory but their fundamental human rights. The court found them in contempt of a court order allowing Platinex Mining to conduct exploration in their territory. The Chief and Council made the decision not to sign the court-ordered agreement and denied Platinex free-entry to KI lands.

2008

May

The FNLC, Province of BC and the Government of Canada signed a First Nations Housing Memorandum of Understanding to improve coordination and collaboration, and commit the parties to develop complementary on- and off-reserve housing and infrastructure action plans. The off-reserve Aboriginal housing plan will be coordinated with an on-reserve housing and infrastructure action plan that will be collaboratively developed between First Nations and the federal government.

2008

The second Indigenous Child at the Centre Forum is held in July at which the Interim First Nations Child and Family Wellness Council (IFNCFWC) is established

During this Forum, delegates develop and endorse the One Heart, One Mind Statement of Solidarity and Cooperation which affirms the commitment to work together in a Nation-to-Nation and community-driven process to secure the individual and collective survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous children.

2008

March

The FNLC and the Province of BC sign a Recognition and Reconciliation Protocol on First Nations Children, Youth and Families. The Protocol commits the Parties to establish a common vision for child, youth and family wellness in BC, establishes the principles upon which the Parties will continue to work together, and includes a framework to support First Nations communities to exercise jurisdiction and responsibility for their children, youth and families.

2009

May

In response to a growing number of questions, concerns and issues being raised by First Nations, Business, and Industry Leaders the FNLC and BC Government jointly decide to postpone introduction of the proposed Aboriginal Title Recognition and Reconciliation Act until after the May 12th Provincial Election. UBCIC sends an open letter to Premier Campbell and Ministers withdrawing from the legislative initiative process in July.

2009

April

UBCIC submits a response to the Ministry of Environment, Water Stewardship Division’s BC Water Act Modernization Initiative. UBCIC expresses deep concerns that the submission process is highly problematic; it was designed without Indigenous involvement and treats Indigenous people as “stakeholders” in the water policy process. There is no recognition of Indigenous jurisdiction or constitutionally-enshrined and judicially-recognized Aboriginal Title and Rights.

2010

June

UBCIC, along with 38 Aboriginal and civil society organizations across Canada, sends an open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper urging him to endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples without qualifications and in a manner consistent with international human rights law. Of the four countries that opposed the UNDRIP, Australia and New Zealand have changed their positions and the US is taking a public review of its position. Canada’s position remains unchanged.

2010

UBCIC is a NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.